And you cant go past the stunning hanmer springs for a thermal treat in the south island the vines are bare but wineries are bursting with the labours of an autumn vintage. Cook views on a summer road trip in new zealand are incredible. This itinerary covers the entire country and is broken down into 30 easytofollow days. Top 6 things to do on your winter road trip in new zealand. The best 4 road trips to take in new zealand for an advan. Travelling to new zealand during the winter months will expose you to an incredible assortment of activities. New zealand isnt as snowy or icy in winter as you might think. We will cover every aspect itinerary, accommodation, packing, driving, budgeting of planning an unforgettable road trip in new zealand. Built inside an old bank building with a colonial styled ambiance, this restaurant is famous for its chefs special 5course meal, and. The north island abounds with geothermal destinations, with rotorua the most well known. Epic 16 day self drive new zealand south island itinerary. The weather conditions in new zealand are not as rough as in iceland, so the roads are still drivable in the wintertime.
You will be awestruck as you step off the plane in queenstown and look around and the. Hence, the best time to visit the island if you are looking for a winter roadtrip is in from june to august. Our trip was a total of 18 days out of which we spent 3 days in the north island and rest of it in the south. Top 6 things you must do on your winter road trip in new zealand. You can find more information about the name over here. Ultimate new zealand self drive itinerary a new zealand road trip. The road is prone to snow, ice and avalanches, and it is mandatory to carry chains in the winter.
Welcome to the south island of new zealand and its main capital christchurch. New zealand is one of those countries where its really popular to rent a campervan or motorhome in order to tour all the highlights. Summer in the united states is winter in new zealand, and vice versa. Whatever time of year youre doing a road trip in new zealand, you should always check what the weather forecast is and what the road conditions are. Whether you have your new zealand working holiday visa or youre simply backpacking around new zealand, a road trip is perhaps the best way to see all that the country has to offer. Rain is always a possibility in new zealand, particularly in winter. I started the hike at 4 am because i wanted to see the sunrise from the peak. Situated in the capital city of new zealand, this upmarket restaurant is a must visit during your trip to new zealand in winter. Explore the country on these award winning trips that travel to the north island, the south island or both islands. Depending on your budget, you can make your dream trip work. Summer or winter, rain or shine you will have an amazing time. Winter in new zealand usually begins in june and ends in august, so itd make sense to plan your trips around this time period. Something special about a new zealand road trip in winter.
This is part 4 of our 4 part series on planning the ultimate road trip in new zealand. The dos and donts of a new zealand road trip young adventuress. With multiple islands and miles of beautiful landscapes and adventures to be had, it can be hard to decide how to plan for a trip to new zealand. This is the perfect time for the ultimate flexible your road trip in the new zealand winter. If you are travelling in the winter months end of june september make. See the recap of my personal experience here and book it directly with get.
New zealand or aotearoa in maori has been one of the best yet underrated places for winter travel destinations. The guide does not contains any hotel or restaurant recommendations because 1 i have not been to many of them 2 owners change 3 i dont know your taste and priorities however it does indicate the closest townarea with accommodations. Once you know where youre going and what youre doing, all that remains is to hit the road to experience new zealand in winter. A visit to new zealands geothermal wonders and hot springs should be first on your agenda. With worldclass ski fields, beautiful alpine scenery and fantastic hot springs, new zealand is the perfect winter. An epic road trip in new zealand bruised passports. North island new zealand north road trip highlights. Driving across new zealand is an adventure that takes you through rolling hills, along the rocky coast, and through winding mountain paths. Other comments on here have indicated that roads can be closed in winter by snow and ice, and also by things like washouts and land slips, and you need to remain flexible in your plans. If your planning to visit new zealand during the winter months can help you customise your adventure to include the best of winter in new zealand, according to your interests. Youre driving through lush grassy farmland, the sun is beaming, the air is 100% pure without a drop of wind, and the birds are diving and chirping.
A road trip in new zealand is the perfect way to see the country, so it would be a waste not to drive one of these routes i would recommend going to new zealand on a working holiday, but there are other options if thats not possible. Read part 1 the ultimate new zealand road trip itinerary opens in new tab. The next part of our list of the best road trips in new zealand is the south island. The complete guide the road trip guide new zealand includes everything that is inside the south island ebook do not purchase both. Taking the family on a new zealand family vacation.
A 2 week road trip itinerary for new zealands north and south island. Find and book the best new zealand tours and guided bus passes here on planit nz. In fact, here are 16 of the very best things to do during the winter season. With vehicles not overly expensive and distances between places not overly long, it. Does anyone have any insight into weather conditions and as to if a trip like this is possible with our. How much will that road trip in new zealand cost bruised. The water is too chilly to appreciate in winter and the beach towns slow down, so plan your trip during kiwi late spring or. A new zealand winter road trip guide airport rentals. Find the perfect vacation package for new zealand on tripadvisor by comparing new zealand hotel and flight prices. Lucky for you, weve put together the ultimate new zealand road trip itinerary. Yet its always a good plan to know where you are heading at days end, and secure in the knowledge that you have made a good choice for a family group especially. At the road trip, we love sharing the best things to do in new zealand in winter. To help you plan your winter new zealand road trip, we have put. Most normal roads are accessible yearround, also in winter.
From northland to southland, embark on a collection of road trips throughout new zealand. So, be inspired by the itineraries below, get in touch and let your dream family holiday. Roady new zealand road trip new zealand self drive tours. Take your raincoat with you wherever you go, even if the forecast is clear.
July is generally the busiest month for skiing, but you should not be concerned about that if the only thing you want to do is drive and sightsee in winter queenstown holds a winter festival every year. The best new zealand vacation packages 2020 tripadvisor. Is it safe during winter to drive around specially. If youre planning to drive in new zealand, here are some dos and donts to keep in mind for a safe journey. Planning a ten day motorhome adventure from christchurch to queenstown and then back up to nelson and then back to christchurch in august. The queenstown winter festival is all about celebrating the. We ventured out only to sample some amazing coffee at. Whether youre off for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an allinclusive holiday, new zealand vacation packages on tripadvisor make planning your trip simple and affordable. This south island road trip video will make you book a ticket, pack your bags and head to new zealand immediately. Hit the road, stray from wellworn paths and experience the real new zealand. Hey guys, so we visited new zealand in july 2018it was winter season in the country. Or for the skiers, a new zealand winter road trip will bring the ultimate adventure. New zealand winter itinerary for a 2 week family trip. Rather than escape the winter chills behind books, coffee and red wine.
The 16 best things to do in new zealand this winter. Epic 2week south island new zealand itinerary road trip. New zealand road trip across the stunning south island. I had always dreamed of travelling around in a campervan i know people who have done. We are really excited and are trying to plan the best way to get around. Summer down south is popular with visitors from the northern hemisphere that like to escape the cold of their own winters. Hi, me and my fam 4 of us first time going to nz for 14 days on 2nd to 3rd week of june this year.
So we have made it easy for you with our special great new zealand road trip. Whether youre a couple looking for a relaxing getaway or a small group of mates seeking adventure, a kiwi roady is a trip you wont be forgetting in a hurry. The complete guide the road trip guide new zealand includes everything that is inside the north island ebook do not purchase both. The dos and donts of a new zealand road trip while the idea of a road trip is exciting, there are a couple of rules when embarking on a fourwheel journey in new zealand. From sporty attractions to chilled out destinations and cool events, theres a bit of something for everyone.
As you may already know, winter in new zealand runs from june through august. Taking a road trip around new zealand is the best way to truly experience the wilderness and natural wonders on offer at every turn. It also gives you the flexibility to change up your schedule any way you please along the way too, so if there is a place you really love, why not stay a second night. New zealands real beauty lies in its inaccessibility and remoteness. But if you get a van or car in winter thats not 4 wheel drive, be sure to add on. Featuring more than 30 amazing road trips, plus uptodate advice on the destinations youll visit along the way, seek out alfresco dining and seductive wineries, follow new zealands premier. Winter campervan travel new zealand travellers autobarn. Some of my favorite surprises in new zealand happened spontaneously on the road, pulling down a street that piqued my curiosity or stopping at a picnic view point in the middle of nowhere for some sick views. The best ski conditions in new zealand come towards the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Have a stopover it is a long drive from queenstown to milford sound at around four hours.
Winter driving tips in new zealand vroomvroomvroom. For most travellers, the south island of new zealand has more to offer than the north island. A new zealand road trip is perfect for small groups of 2 5 people. And yes you would need to book accomm well ahead for the two main ski towns three if you include mt hutt. After reading this list, especially the previous amazing road trip itineraries on this list youll know that both islands are equally special. Travel in the colder months, and youll see a side of gods own country that many others never do. If you dont book ahead, youll find somewhere to stay regardless. Ultimate new zealand self drive itinerary a new zealand.
If youre anything like me, when you think of a road trip. These are 7 new zealand road trips that show off the diverse landscape of this stunning country without a doubt, one of the best ways to take in everything the country has to offer is by a good old fashioned new zealand road trip. These are a few of the routes that i recommend doing while travelling around new zealand. But if you do need snow chains, you can hire them with your campervan. My partner and i are going to new zealand for the first time from 4 july to 6 august. Your guide to the best things to do in new zealand in the winter months. Winter road trip itineraries in new zealand winter is a wonderful time to visit new zealand because of the extraordinary snow experiences, exciting winter festivals, amazing geothermal wonders, spectacular southern lights and the unique maori new year celebration. Christchurch is after auckland the most popular pickup location for campervan rental or car hire in new zealand did you know that christchurch is 9 out of.
Campervan road trips differ a little bit from normal road trips, both in terms of what you drive and where you stay, but the main goal is essentially the same. Carry snow chains state highway 94 is one of new zealands most challenging winter drives, taking you and your passengers to heights of 940 metres above sea level. Possibly one of the most popular hikes in new zealand and for good reason, the views over the mountains and lake wanaka are mindblowing. Theres something amazing about a new zealand road trip in winter especially when the weather gods bless your trip. Is the winter weather so bad it would affect such a road trip. South island road trips campervan hire new zealand. So you can literally fit every aspect of your road trip around the kids. Taupo being a smaller town, and relatively handy to the skifields may have less availability at this time of year. All our tours are infinitely customisable free of charge. Lonely planet new zealands best trips trips country. A winter road trip avoids the crowds of summer and offers different opportunities for fun. New zealand is one of the most beautiful winter destinations in the world and yes it is an amazing country to explore in winter plus it is so cheap. Immerse yourself in new zealand on a magical new zealand road trip. New zealand road trip here is my definitive guide to road tripping in.
North island as i mentioned earlier starting your trip in auckland will not only be the most economical way to do it, but auckland is also very well connected to the places you will visit on the first part of this trip. New zealand has just as many fabulous places to visit and enjoy in winter as it does in summer. Discover the freedom of open roads with lonely planet new zealands best trips, your passport to uniquely encountering new zealand by car. Were california dreamin on bringing our usa content to this website. The ultimate road trip through new zealand s underrated north island.
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